MBChB, FRACGP, FRNZCGP, MMedSci(Hons)

Chairwoman

Dr. Changwai is of Samoan-Chinese heritage and is fluent in the Samoan language. 

She completed her medical degree at Otago University in Dunedin. Her post graduate Fellowship and General Practice Training was completed in Australia and she is a Fellow of both the Australian and New Zealand Royal Colleges of General Practitioners.

In addition, she completed her Masters in Medical Science with Honours at Auckland University.

She has 21 years of working experience in Primary Health Care both in New Zealand and Australia.

Dr. Changwai has served in a number of senior leadership roles throughout her career.

She currently works as a General Practitioner for Healius Health care in Beenleigh and remains a Supervisor for the GPTQ in Brisbane.

MBChB, FRACGP

Treasurer

Dr. Ward spent 5 years training in Emergency Medicine through Robina Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital. In 2017, Dr. Ward began as a GP registrar at Robina Town Medical Centre, having then completed his GP training at Easy T Medical Centre in 2018.

Dr. Ward then gained a wealth of experience working for 12 months as a General Practitioner in Cairns. He has returned to the Gold Coast to settle down with his wife and young son. He is looking forward to the longevity and rewarding experiences that General Practice on the Coast brings.

Dip Management

Mr. Chan has an extensive history of working in senior executive management roles in New Zealand as well as the information and Security Management sector. He is a proven leader with over 20 years of experience in managing and delivering health and social services.

In addition, he also possesses a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a deep passion in utilising technology to support businesses.

Mr. Chan has served in a number of roles in Advisory Committees in health services in New Zealand.

MBChB, FRACGP

Dr. Pereira is of Samoan descent and was raised in Samoa. She completed her medical degree at the University of Otago in 2002 and completed her General Practice Fellowship in New Zealand before migrating to Australia. 

Dr. Pereira is a mum of three and works as a General Practitioner in the Gold Coast. She has a strong interest in Preventative health and Women’s and Children’s Health.

Dip Telecommunications

Mr. Pickering was born and raised in Fiji and is of mixed iTaukei and British descent. He joined the British Army after completing secondary school and served in the Royal Signals Regiment. Mr Pickering completed a tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan respectively.

He completed his Telecommunications training and migrated to Australia in 2013.

Mr. Pickering played representative rugby union in 7s,10s and 15s code whilst living in the UK.

He currently works in Telecommunications as a field technician in Australia.

Mr Pickering is supportive of initiatives that improve the general health of Pacific people particularly demystifying and improving the mental wellbeing of Pacific men.

Mr. Pickering continues to enjoy watching rugby, walking and spending time with his family.

MBChB, FRACP (Advanced Trainee)

Dr. Ward is a dual trainee and on track to complete her dual specialist qualification in General Medicine and Endocrinology in 2022.

The majority of her training has been undertaken in Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital. However, she worked for 12 months in Cairns Base Hospital in 2019, and has experience working in Redlands and Tweed Hospitals.

She will return to the Gold Coast University Hospital and take the Chief Medical Registrar role in 2022.

MBChB, DCH, MPH, FRACP

Board Secretary and Deputy Chair

Dr. Raicebe is an iTaukei born and raised in Fiji. She completed her medical degree In New Zealand and returned to Fiji to work in the early 2000s. She then returned to New Zealand and eventually Australia where she completed her fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians specialising in Paediatrics and a Masters in Public Health.

Dr. Raicebe currently works on the Gold Coast as a Paediatrician in the hospital and also in the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clinic. Her professional interests are in neurobiology and epigenetic effects on developing brains. 

Dr. Raicebe continues to have a keen interest in all matters of Pacific health and well being and is passionate in improving health from the early years. She is a mother of two, enjoys gardening, bush walking, travelling and learning about the history of different places.

MBBS MPH&TM, ACEM (Advanced Trainee)

Matt is a Rotuman-Australian emergency registrar hailing from the districts of Itu'ti'u and Pepjei. He is a member of the Fatiaki kainaga with additional ancestry from Futuna and Italy.

Graduating from Monash University in 2013, Matt has worked as a doctor in various critical care roles in Victoria, NSW and the ACT, but counts as a career highlight his period volunteering in Rotuma as the acting subdivisional medical officer and assisting the roll-out of a filariasis campaign, serving his people in his native tongue and working alongside family.

Now a Senior Registrar in Emergency Medicine at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Matt also works as a medical adviser to the Department of Veterans Affairs. He's proud to join the board of OPHA representing Victoria and keen to mentor up and coming Pacific doctors and utilise his public health training to advocate for the Pasifika community in Australia.